Dry skies for A’s to wrap up series vs. Royals

Ben Enos from the O.Co Coliseum, filling in for the incomparable Joe Stiglich.

Call today’s weather in Oakland a definite win after last night’s rain-soaked affair. It’s not overly hot, not overly cold, and best of all it’s dry. As I write this, the A’s and Royals are tied at 3 in the final game of a three-game set here in Oaktown.

This might not be the most newsy item, but it sure is fun. Jeff Francoeur had 20 pizzas and a signed bat delivered to fans in section 149. It’s an extension of the “Bacon Tuesday” love that Francoeur’s been getting into with Oakland fans.

For those who don’t know, it started last year when the right fielder saw fans in the right field bleachers celebrating their first Bacon Tuesday. He tossed them a ball with $100 and a message that said “beers and bacon dogs on me.” A’s fans responded yesterday, giving Francoeur a t-shirt to commemorate the now second-annual Bacon Tuesday.

I don’t care who you are. That’s pretty cool stuff.

In other news, one topic discussed with A’s manager Bob Melvin was the play of Yoenis Cespedes in center field. Melvin was direct in saying he has no plans to move the rookie out of center field, saying he thinks Cespedes has done a pretty good job.

“There are probably a couple balls that stand out that I think were tough plays,” Melvin said. “But I think if you put him in a different position right now, I think you’re going through bigger growing pains. He’s a center fielder.”

Also had a chance to chat with Brett Anderson for a minute, and the left-hander said he felt good just one day after throwing a 45-pitch session with his full complement of pitches. He is headed for Arizona today to continue his rehab from elbow surgery, and is scheduled to throw again on Friday.

Another note to pass along comes from the A’s themselves. If you were one of the die-hard few that sat through last night’s rain-shortened loss to the Royals, you earned yourself a free ticket. The A’s announced that if you bring your ticket stub to Ticket Services, you can trade it for a Field Level ticket to any Monday through Thursday game (excluding July 2 thru 4 and July 19).

Finally, a note from the game itself. Cliff Pennington fouled a ball off his leg (looked like it hit his knee, actually) in the fifth inning, played another inning in the field, and eventually came out of the game. Eric Sogard replaced him at shortstop.

Alrighty. That’s all for now. Feel free to return to your regularly-scheduled programming.